Those of you who have followed my travel writing career know that I return to Maine's North Woods as often as possible. All it takes is a 4-hour drive from Boston and I'm lost in a land of seemingly endless forest filled with mile-high mountains, immense lakes and too many ponds to count. The large swath of wilderness feels like a chunk of Alaska remarkably placed in our congested Northeast. I have paddled down the Allagash River, my tent almost trampled by moose in heat; white water rafted down the Class V rapid known as Cribworks on the Penboscot River; watched as a bear swam across remote Chesuncook Lake; relaxed under a waterfall on that signature canyon hike along the 100-Mile Wilderness Trail, Gulf Hagas; and mountain biked with Lisa last summer to all four newly built huts on the spectacular Maine Huts & Trails circuit. It has led to some of my favorite articles like this one for Sierra Magazine.

 

Now we're happy to report that ActiveTravels has joined forces with Northern Outdoors and Maine Huts & Trails to spread the word and encourage more people to follow in Thoreau's footsteps. We have designed two itineraries, one for families, one for a guys or girls getaway to a sampling of the most stunning spots in Maine's North Woods. Price starts at an affordable $403 per person for a 4-night stay. Do yourself a favor this summer and sample this special slice of adventure in your own backyard!

 

 

Need some downtime with the family far away from computer screens, but loaded with some of the most exciting adventures Maine offers? Then we have the trip for you. This 5-day, 4-night itinerary includes some of our favorite adventures, including paddling the Dead River to the stunning Grand Falls and whitewater rafting down the Kennebec River. Highlights:

• Paddle a canoe next to loons down the Dead River on the way to your first Maine hut, Grand Falls Hut.
• Hike past the magnificent Grand Falls, where a wide ribbon of water rushes down the rocks
• Swim in the natural pools of Grand Falls or learn to fly fish with a Registered Maine Guide.
• Next stop on your trip is Northern Outdoors Adventure Resort in West Forks. Try an afternoon float trip or just swim in their pool or giant hot tub. Your home for tonight can be a Logdominium! Part condo, part log cabin, these units comfortably sleep up to 6 and feature a kitchenette or head to the full-service restaurant and brewery for meals.
• The finale of your trip is a rip-roaring raft ride down the Kennebec River. Midway you'll enjoy a riverside cookout before you float the lower Kennebec Gorge back to the Forks.
• Pricing: Ranges from $448-$678 per person depending on number of people and time of week. This includes lodging, shuttles, and all activities.